Tesla Model 3 finally announced

Tesla has finally taken the wraps off its first mainstream electric car, the Tesla Model 3.

The new saloon will deliver Tesla’s classy all-electric experience for just $35,000. That’s less than £25,000.

Taking to the stage at Tesla’s California design studio, CEO and founder Elon Musk claimed that “you will not be able to buy a better car for $35,000, even with no options.” The Model 3 will commence shipping by the end of 2017.

As for performance, the base Tesla Model 3 will manage 0-60 mph in less than six seconds. It seems there will be a range of options, including either rear wheel drive or all wheel drive.

The Model 3 will support a range of at least 215 miles, and will work with the company’s high-speed Supercharging network. It will also, according to the company, be “the safest car in its class.”

Internally, the Tesla Model 3 will be appreciably futuristic and minimalistic, with a single 15-inch landscape touchscreen display accounting for all dashboard functions. The Model 3 will also come with an Autopilot facility.

Just because it has a (relatively) affordable price tag, don’t think that Tesla has skimped on the premium design details. The roof of the Model 3, for example, is all-glass, from the front right back to the boot.Related: Six features that’ll make you want a Tesla Model X

As Musk hinted at yesterday, this is simply the first stage of the Model 3 reveal. The company will be adding new features as we head closer to release.

You can reserve the Tesla Model 3 from today for £1,000, but you won’t receive your car for another 18 months or more.

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Is an e-car on your radar this year? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.